With the approval of renovation plans for Northern State University’s Gerber Hall, work can now begin this spring.
The South Dakota Board of Regents met at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion April 3 and 4. Action included approving Northern’s facility program plan and facility design plan for Gerber Hall.
The combined plans garnered brief discussion before approval. Gerber Hall renovation work is expected to begin at the end of May or early June.
According to the plan, the $5 million job will renovate an estimated 17,500 square feet. The South Dakota Legislature approved $2.5 million for the work with another $2.5 million coming from a combination of higher education maintenance money and state general funds.
Gerber Hall is home to the Millicent Atkins School of Education, which includes teacher education, sports sciences, psychology and counselor education. Offices and counseling lab space are on the lower level.
The project is expected to convert a compartmentalized environment into an open, welcoming space with ample natural light, according to information from Northern. A new elevator will be installed for improved accessibility, and lounge spaces will also be added.
Anna Schwan, dean of the school of education, said she’s excited about the plans for the 100-plus year old building.
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“It’s such an inspiration because now our space will match what we’re doing and trying to model,” she said.
Some of the teaching methods Northern is trying to model include flexible learning spaces and breakout rooms.
“I want people to come here on purpose and stay between classes,” Schwan said. “We want students to be excited about the space they’re going to learn their profession in.”
The renovated building will include classroom space on the first floor as well as a kitchen area for students who are taking evening classes and preparing food.
Those with offices in Gerber Hall are expected to move into temporary offices this spring to accommodate construction. Schwan said faculty offices will be clustered in two areas on campus to help maintain the family-like and collaborative culture among the instructors.
Construction completion is expected by March or April 2025.